Thanks all! I’m sitting here with this sad tree that we put SO much effort into. ==>>> you made a decision since you wrote this ... but lets get your head straight for this time of year .... no matter what happens... you are making.. made .. a memory ... most likely you arent going to remember an uneventful tree .. this one.. you will remember forever.. lol,.... and you are already on that journey ... and you will remember.. the year you got to decorate twice .... have a great holiday ... ken btw: here in MI ... they sell magnetic sheets ... that you can cut to the size of the register/vent ... and slap it on... and it self sticks ... 3 for 5 bucks or some such ... this will remove the direct flow of air on the tree .. which will really help ... and it will redirect the air to other vents.. https://duckduckgo.com/?q=magnetic+sheets+for+heat+registers&t=ffcm&iar=images&iax=images&ia=images

One manual (link below) recommends cutting normal vigor Spiraea japonica forms down to within 4-5 in. of the ground right before spring growth starts. With the dwarf versions of this particular species instead being clipped over in spring without getting down into the old wood, as is done with Calluna and Lavandula. The Pruning of Trees, Shrubs and Conifers has always recommended the best possible pruning techniques and practices to gardeners. Now thoroughly revised and substantially expanded by Tony Kirkham, George Brown's classic work will continue to be trusted and respected as the essential pruning reference for years to come https://www.amazon.com/Pruning-Trees-Shrubs-Conifers/dp/0881926132

Vinnmarks......I think that’s a spin down filter....does it look something like this clear one? We had two of those and they barely worked (lots of sediment still came through) and it needed flushing all the time which is why my water guy recommended the Big Blues. Those toilet tank pics were when we had the spin down filters. I hate maintenance so the the less I have to fool with things the better :)

I think you might be right... I just googled mustard greens, and found a pic that looks like it. DH refuses to eat it, at any point. Says 'what if it's poisonous?'. Me? I tend to be adventurous... When I planted the seeds, I did so in a 4" space, and no other weeds (at least, not that big!) have popped up anywhere throughout the garden. So it must be a stray seed from the packet as I'd mentioned earlier. Would you harvest and eat it, not knowing for sure? Or wait and see if mustard seeds come of it?